Hockey∙Day∙Minnesota
\(hok-ee dā min-uh-sō-t )
Noun: An annual statewide
celebration. The premier holiday.
Nearly 24 hours of hockey, heritage
and household memories.
JAN.
19
Operating Officer Matt Majka knew they could pull it off – they
just needed to take action.
"I remember very well a particular summer day in August of
2006," Majka said. "We marched over to FSN's offices – me and a
couple other folks with the Wild – with a one-page document of
just an outline of what Hockey Day Minnesota might be."
That document sold Mike Dimond, the senior vice president
and general manager at Fox Sports North (FSN), and the wheels
High School Games
(Pokegama Lake,
Grand Rapids)
Eagan vs. Hibbing (boys)
Benilde-St. Margaret's
vs. Grand Rapids (boys)
Hibbing vs. Grand Rapids
(girls) *tape delay
College Game
Minnesota Golden
Gophers vs. North Dakota,
Mariucci Arena
Wild Game
Minnesota Wild vs.
Pittsburgh Penguins,
Xcel Energy Center
were put into motion immediately. Thanks to all stakeholders
involved, it became an instant and ongoing hit.
"Through our great partnerships with the Minnesota Wild, the
University of Minnesota and Minnesota Hockey, it has become
an iconic day for our state," Dimond said. "Each of the host cities
– Baudette, St. Paul, Hermantown, Moorhead and Minnetonka
– have brought their own special flavor to the day, yet one thing
remains the same: The passion and love for the game."
december.2012 // minnesotahockeyjournal.com
17
